WATCH D.O.G.S. is the safe school initiative of the National Center for Fathering that involves fathers and father figures to help create a more safe and secure learning environment in our nation's schools! Dads and other father figures can now sign up to serve as WatchD.O.G.S (Dads Of Great Students) at Mitchell Elementary this year!

The goals of the Watch D.O.G.S. program are to provide: (1) positive male role models for the students, demonstrating by their presence that education is important; and (2) extra sets of eyes and ears to enhance school security and reduce bullying.

To achieve these goals, Watch D.O.G.S. help at our school between 7:15 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. They perform a variety of tasks during their volunteer day, including monitoring the school entrances, playing at recess, eating lunch with students, helping in the classroom with a teacher’s guidance, and assisting with any other assigned activities where they actively engage with not only their own student(s), but other students as well.

Our Watch D.O.G. program has changed in two important ways this year. First, we will often use a simple science curriculum developed by Dr. Keishon Ireland (Mitchell and PISD "teacher of the year" last year). Second, we will be helping in the classrooms again (instead of in the front office).

If possible, dads and their children should wear Watch D.O.G.S. T-shirts on their special Watch D.O.G. day(s). Our PTA has a limited number of t-shirts for sale for $10 each at the Mitchell PTA website under "spirit wear." Watch D.O.G.S. apparel (including T-shirts for $11.95 each plus shipping) can also be purchased at www.dadsofgreatstudents.com.